Study on the Use of Floating Photovoltaics on Kourna Lake, Western Crete, Greece

Abstract

Installation of floating solar photovoltaic systems on the surface of water bodies has been developed rapidly in recent years worldwide. However, installation of floating photovoltaics in water reservoirs in Greece has not been reported so far. Kourna lake is the only natural lake in Crete located in the western part of the island in an idyllic and environmentally protected site while several touristic activities have been developed locally. The characteristics of the lake are mentioned and various parameters of a floating photovoltaic system which can be installed have been evaluated. A floating photovoltaic system with nominal power at 2.42 MWp can be installed on its surface with coverage ratio 5% generating 3.6 GWh annually. If the coverage ratio of the surface is at 10% the nominal power of the installed floating photovoltaic system will be at 4.83 MWp while the annually generated electricity will be at 7.24 GWh corresponding at 0.24% of the power demand in the island in 2018. The advantages and the drawbacks of the novel floating energy system have been stated. The acceptance of the abovementioned solar energy system from the local community is a prerequisite for its successful installation avoiding local conflicts and protests related with the co-existence of the current touristic activities with solar power generation in the lake.